small world
7 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
MILA GRUSHIN AND MARINASHARFSHTEYN
Founders of Exceptional Explorers in Livingston providemulticultural fun
WRITTEN BY CINDY SCHWEICH HANDLER
AND BABY MAKES FIVE Boris Grushin , Mila Grushin ( with infant Nathaniel ), Marina Sharfshteyn and Mark Sharfshteyn at the grand opening of their Livingston play space , Exceptional Explorers
KIDS : COURTESY OF JEFFREY ROSENBERG ; PORTRAIT : COURTESY OF MILA GRUSHIN
It ’ snot unusual for achildren ’ s play center to offer arts and crafts classes . It ’ s less common for lesson plans to include how to make Russian nesting dolls , Costa Rican bird houses , Bolivian handmade dolls and kaleidoscopes ( the inventor was Scottish ). The emphasis onworld cultures reflects the experiences of first cousins
Marina Sharfshteyn and Mila Grushin , owners ofExceptional Explorers , a nearly 3,000-square-foot indoor playground that recently opened in Livingston . When Sharfshteyn was 3years old , her family moved from Belarus in the Soviet Union toNew York ; Grushin ’ s family followed when she was 9 . Both women moved toLivingston to raise their families . Grushin has three kids ages 7 , 5 and three months , and Sharfshteyn has two , ages 5and 3 .
“ Every class follows aroutine of sorts where the kids sing asong and learn about acountry with fun facts ,” says Grushin . “ We introduce them to the idea that there are seven continents and countries and cities within them .”
“ We plant seeds ,” adds Sharfshteyn . “ The thought is , ‘ We live here , but there ’ s so much more out there .’ There ’ re other places tolearn from . It makes people more well-rounded and accepting .” When the kids explain to their grandparents what they created , they can keep the conversation going , she says .
Here are 7things you should know about Mila Grushin and Marina Sharfshteyn .
MILLBURN & SHORT HILLS MAGAZINE HOLIDAY 2020
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